Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, 1354 N. 2nd St., Rockford, IL has been selected for “Heart Your Park,” a new program at Macy’s in an effort to raise awareness and dollars for local parks across the country.

From now through March 31, customers at Macy’s, 7200 Harrison Ave, Rockford, IL can donate $1 or more at the register, with 100 percent of the donations benefiting Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens. Macy’s will then match the total customer donation, dollar for dollar, up to $250,000 in total. 

The money raised will help fund ongoing educational programs at the Conservatory.

Educational programs are available for adults and children throughout the year, and offer a chance for all ages to explore, expand, and enrich their minds learning about the importance of plants, the ecosystem, and ways to be environmentally friendly.

“We are thrilled to partner with Macy’s and NRPA for ‘Heart Your Park,’ and want to thank the employees for selecting Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens to be this year’s recipient. We are also very grateful to every shopper who donates to this campaign, which will help spotlight our community’s tropical treasure that attracts people from all over the Midwest and beyond to our community.” said Kelly Moore, Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens Facility Manager.

Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens is one of more than 550 parks nationwide that will benefit from Macy’s “Heart Your Park” this spring. In partnership with the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), the national non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of community parks, recreation, and conservation, 

Macy’s stores across the country have each selected a local park or green space in their community to support through the program. Donations will go toward making improvements, such as maintaining trails, playgrounds, and ball fields, and everything in between. “Heart Your Park” is part of Macy’s “Secret Garden” spring campaign that will come to life at Macy’s stores and on macys.com with an infusion of garden-inspired merchandise, and special promotions and events. For more information on “Secret Garden,” visit macys.com/secretgarden. For a full list of the parks benefiting from Macy’s “Heart Your Park,” visit macys.com/parks.

–News Bulletin news sources